christmastime – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

A Dark and Snowy Night review

September 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the sixteenth book in the Seaside Knitting Society (formerly known as Seaside Knitters when they were with another publisher) written by Sally Goldenbaum. I’ve loved every one of these that I’ve read and I’m nowhere near being caught up, but for some reason I can’t resist getting the newest ARC when it’s available. #NetGalley This group of friends is definitely a bunch of ladies I could get along well with, especially their love of awesome food and camaraderie. I’d be worse than Cass at knitting but knowing me, I’d try it, lol.

#KensingtonCozies #SallyGoldenbaum

My Goodreads review:

A Dark and Snowy Night by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s always super enjoyable to join this group of four friends who’re basically like sisters of various ages. I love how they gather to talk about the case at hand and compare sleuthing notes while they’re knitting or talking. Their guys are pretty incredible too, and I love Cass’s description of having Ben, a retired lawyer by your side if you need to talk to the police (probably not the exact quote): “It’s like taking your favorite teddy bear to the principal’s office.”

The more I got into the book, I had a feeling I knew whodunit and was right. Toward the end with more clues coming together was when I guessed what else was going on in a couple of mixed-up people’s lives. Izzy’s a real champ at calling and getting info from people, lol.

The side story with town curmudgeon-but-brought-cookies lady Luna was really good! She was one lady you didn’t wanna cross, yet she had some incredible patience going on with new knitters or just anyone who needed her. She was one of those surprising and interesting characters that crop up in books sometimes. I wouldn’t mind her popping in again–she’s a real character!

As sideways as the showdown could’ve gone, at least it didn’t and Nell was able to calmly talk with the involved. I love how everything’s always explained over fellowship and food and the end! It’s like their supreme reward for having another killer put away. I always leave one of these books wishing I didn’t have to and with the proverbial book hangover. Don’t miss its release on September 27! When there’s not a murder in Sea Harbor, it’s pretty darn magical at Christmastime!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Christmas Candy Corpse review

December 9, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Courtney Archer series by Rosemarie Ross, and maybe I’m just a Christmas nut, but I think it’s the best book so far. I really enjoyed the side mystery involving a very different version of Shannon than we’ve been used to seeing in this series. She’s usually super sunshiny and sweet, but what’s turned our Southern cook into a Grinch? You’ll just have to read and find out!

My Goodreads review:

Christmas Candy Corpse by Rosemarie Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is really getting better. I have to admit I wasn’t sure about it at the beginning or if I even liked Courtney that much. But after three books of seeing how she interacts with her friends/coworkers, she’s really grown on me, and she’s grown as a character as well. I feel she’s gained some maturity (finding dead bodies does that to ya, I guess), and I was happy to see her and Eric in a good place with their relationship.

I had a little sneaky feeling earlier about the killer in the book, and it ended up being the right whodunit and for the reason I thought as well. It was well-plotted and executed though. That was some exciting showdown too! Once again, Courtney’s kitchen set had something handy! The ending was very sweet and Christmasy.

Shannon had her own side mystery going on and I thought I’d guessed what it was. It was interesting to see that play out into the happy ending everyone in the cast had. I can definitely say I’m looking forward to reading the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Publishing via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Hemlock for the Holidays review

August 19, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Fine Arts Mysteries by Paula Darnell. I really love the camaraderie that the town, neighbors and gallery vendors all have for each other. Someone apparently didn’t believe in that kind of friendship when they convolutedly poisoned a man via goodies sold at a craft fair. I’ve enjoyed watching Amanda adapt to her new town and make friends since the first book, and now I’m looking forward to the next adventure for her, Laddie and Mona Lisa!

My Goodreads review:

Hemlock for the Holidays by Paula Darnell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this Christmas mystery with Amanda having settled in her new town. Belle and Dennis are such awesome neighbors and gave her the most amazing Christmas gift-she had just as nice of a gift for them too. There’s always a good mystery with this series and plenty of small town camaraderie as well.

The killer came as a complete surprise to me, and the showdown was awesome thanks to Mona Lisa kitty. She got to dig into the killer just in time! Once the murder was solved, Amanda and Emma could finally settle into a good winter break, and Amanda managed to finally get a good sale once she branched out a bit. I always enjoy catching up with Amanda and her gallery friends as well as her sweet neighbors.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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An Ale of Two Cities review

December 1, 2019December 1, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the second book in Sarah Fox’s Literary Pub series, and I was excited to return to Shady Creek, Vermont when it was almost Christmas. I could just picture the town and all the shops with the snowfall and the Winter Carnival that was underway. The side story about the hockey game was kind of fun. Poor Cordelia, she gave it her best, lol. I’m hoping as the series progresses that Sadie and Grayson get closer. I know that Joey the reporter likes her, but I’ve been Team Grayson since the first book. 😉 I never guessed the killer at all.

My Goodreads review:

An Ale of Two Cities by Sarah Fox

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had really been looking forward to this second book and I was definitely not disappointed! The mystery of the murder was a good one, and I was totally surprised by the killer reveal which was pretty exciting. Thinking about Christmas and wintertime in Vermont was so cool. I’m not a fan of being out in the cold, but looking out at the scenery would be awesome. The town of Shady Creek sounds like an adorable little Hallmark town, especially during Winter Carnival that had an ice sculpture contest.

I just love Aunt Gilda! She’s just what Sadie needed–and who wouldn’t love an aunt like her. Shontelle was the kind of bestie any girl would be glad to have, and the various employees at Inkwell were all good people. The trivia night that Sadie had was fun, and I even caught some cozy mystery name dropping which is always super fun to read about. Hopefully Sadie will eventually think of Grayson as more sweet than annoying, but I think she got a good start in this book by talking about spending Christmas with him. I definitely can’t wait for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

View all my reviews